Prasidh Krishna, the Indian right-arm fast bowler, found himself in an unwanted spotlight on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. While he managed to pick up three crucial wickets, his expensive spell resulted in an unfavorable record.
Krishna ended his first innings spell with figures of 3/128 in 20 overs. While the wickets of Ollie Pope (106), Harry Brook (99), and Jamie Smith (40) were valuable, the runs he conceded proved costly for India. His economy rate of 6.4 runs per over became the worst economy rate for an Indian bowler who has bowled at least 20 overs in a Test innings.
England resumed Day 3 on 209/3, and Krishna was brought into the attack early. While he struck in his second over of the day, dismissing the centurion Pope, Brook took a liking to his bowling. Brook, in particular, was severe on Krishna, cutting him for a four and then launching him over mid-wicket for a six in the same over. He was dropped twice, on 46 and 82, before he was caught by Shardul Thakur at deep fine leg for 99. Smith also attacked Krishna, smashing him for a four and a six off consecutive short balls.
Despite the expensive figures, some experts have defended Krishna's performance. Sanjay Manjrekar noted that Krishna looked the best he has in this Test match compared to his previous outing in South Africa. He argued that Krishna was India's number two seamer in the match, performing better than Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Manjrekar added that Krishna did everything he possibly could to the best of his ability. Deep Dasgupta, however, expressed concern about Krishna's consistency on flat pitches, suggesting that he bowled a few too many boundary balls.
The Indian bowlers struggled to maintain control and consistency throughout England's innings. Besides Bumrah's five-wicket haul, the other Indian bowlers were expensive, contributing to England's ability to get close to India's first innings total of 471. Mohammed Siraj, in particular, alternated between good and ordinary spells.
At the end of Day 3, England were bowled out for 465, only six runs behind India's first innings score. India ended the day on 90/2 in their second innings, with a lead of 96 runs. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 47, while Shubman Gill was at the crease on 6. India's second innings started poorly with Jaiswal falling early and debutant Sai Sudharsan dismissed again by Stokes. The match is delicately poised heading into Day 4, with weather forecasts predicting grey skies for the remaining two days.
